Violet Jacob > Stories told by the miller

THE FIDDLING GOBLIN 175
short cloak. He was called ‘ The Fiddling
Goblin.’
He entered Laurine’s presence with a low
bow, though he was rather out of breath ; for
when he had received the message from the
waiting-woman, he had made the large billy-goat
which he rode gallop the whole way. It was
a magnificent animal, with an action like a
horse, and the men who took charge of it when
he dismounted in the courtyard were lost in
admiration of his handsome saddlery. It was
easy to see he was a man of note.
“ What you must do is this,” said the
Goblin, when Laurine had finished her story :
“ As soon as you hear the names of the twelve
suitors, write privately to each one. I will
compose the letter for you, and this is what
you must say:
‘ Sir,
‘ Being extremely anxious for your sue
cess, I am writing to give you a piece of
important advice. My stepfather has offered
my hand to the finest musician; but his real
purpose is to give it to the one who will play
loudest and longest, and most effectually drown